If you love cream cheese frosting but want something with a little extra depth and warmth, this Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is for you! Made with just 4 ingredients, this frosting is rich, velvety smooth, and a perfect balance between sweet and tangy. Gently melting the brown sugar before whipping it into the cream cheese ensures there’s no grainy texture–just pure, caramelized goodness.
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This frosting is perfect for spreading over cakes and cupcake recipes as well as breakfast treats like my soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls. If you’re a fan of cream cheese frosting, you’ll also love my banana cream cheese frosting and orange cream cheese frosting–each just as creamy and delicious.
Ingredient Notes
- Brown sugar - You can use light brown sugar for a more subtle sweetness and dark brown sugar if you prefer a deeper molasses taste.
- Butter - Use salted butter to balance out the sweetness. If you use unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt to the buttercream while mixing. Be sure to bring your butter to room temperature.
- Cream cheese - For the best flavor and texture, use full-fat cream cheese. It should be at room temperature, so it can whip up nice and smooth, creating the perfect creamy consistency.
Please see the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and measurements.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Melt the brown sugar - While stirring continuously, heat the brown sugar with water until the mixture is completely dissolved. Set aside to cool.
Cream the cream cheese and butter - This is best done with a handheld or stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Beat for about 2-3 minutes.
Mix in powdered sugar - Do this with the mixer on low speed so the sugar doesn’t end up on your counter.
Add the brown sugar - With the mixer running, pour the brown sugar into the buttercream and mix for about 2 minutes.
Favorite Desserts to Pair with This Frosting
- This frosting melts beautifully over warm cinnamon roll muffins, making them even more irresistible.
- Pumpkin and brown sugar are a match made in heaven. The subtle tanginess of the cream cheese perfectly balances sweet, spiced pumpkin cinnamon rolls.
- Think soft, chewy banana bread cookies with a thick layer of frosting on top. Dreamy!
- Moist carrot cake pound cake is packed with warm spices and shredded carrots. A thick layer of this frosting adds just the right amount of sweetness.
- Old-fashioned carrot cake is a classic for a reason! The caramel-like notes in this frosting complement the spiced, nutty flavors of carrot cake so well.
Helpful Tips
- Let the brown sugar cool - After melting the brown sugar, let it cool for about 15 minutes before adding it to the frosting. If it’s too warm, you’ll end up with a runny frosting.
- Sift the powdered sugar if needed - If your powdered sugar has any lumps, sift it to keep your frosting ultra-smooth.
- Adjust the consistency - If you prefer a thinner frosting, slowly add a little milk (or heavy cream) until you reach your desired consistency. This is especially helpful if you want to drizzle it over cinnamon rolls or muffins!
Storing
This brown sugar cream cheese frosting should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to use it, let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes, then give it a quick mix to restore its creamy texture.
If you need to make it ahead, you can also freeze it. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it overnight in the fridge then bring it to room temperature, and mix until smooth.
More Frostings You'll Love
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Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
Description
If you love cream cheese frosting but want something with a little extra depth and warmth, this Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is for you! Made with just 4 ingredients, this frosting is rich, velvety smooth, and a perfect balance between sweet and tangy. Gently melting the brown sugar before whipping it into the cream cheese ensures there’s no grainy texture–just pure, caramelized goodness.
Ingredients
- 67 g (⅓ cup) light or dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 113 g (½ cup) salted butter, at room temperature
- 113 g (4 ounces) cream cheese, at room temperature
- 360 g (3 cups) powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, heat the brown sugar and water over medium heat. Stir for 3-4 minutes until the sugar is dissolved. Immediately remove from the heat and allow to cool for 15 minutes.
- In a large bowl, using a hand-held or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and cream cheese together on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until light and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar and mix on low speed until completely incorporated.
- Add the brown sugar mixture and beat for 2-3 minutes on medium speed.
Notes
Adjust consistency - For a thinner frosting, slowly add a little milk (or heavy cream) until you reach your desired consistency.
Storage - Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezer - Store in an freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Frosting & Fillings
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